QualityMagazine - August2010

Industry News

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Olympus NDT Acquires Innov-X Systems Inc.
WALTHAM, MA—Olympus NDT has acquired Innov-X Systems Inc., a manufacturer of portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analytical instruments based in Woburn, MA. Innov-X Systems instruments provide real-time, nondestructive material analysis in applications ranging from metal sorting, lead paint detection and alloy verification to analysis of oil, fluids and minerals.
With this acquisition, Olympus NDT continues its commitment to nondestructive testing (NDT) and related inspection technologies. The addition of X-ray fluorescence analytical instruments augments the company’s existing portfolio of ultrasound, eddy current and remote visual instruments that include flaw detectors, thickness gages, systems, videoscopes, scanners, probes and related accessories.
Innov-X Systems Inc. will be operated as a business division of Olympus NDT, retaining its current management team and employee base.
Olympus NDT Chief Executive Officer Toshihiko Okubo says, “The decision to acquire Innov-X Systems was based on the complementary product portfolios of both companies. This is yet another significant step for Olympus in becoming the world leader in the manufacture and distribution of inspection devices that enhance safety, security and productivity and that also contribute to society.” Innov-X Systems Chief Executive Officer Don Sackett says, “We are extremely honored to be part of the Olympus organization, which is so well respected throughout the world.
Innov-X has newly introduced an X-ray fluorescence product platform that is both high performance and rugged and is a great fit with the nondestructive testing and remote visual inspection technologies of Olympus. I look forward to the synergies and opportunities to extend our technological leadership and quality created by the joining of these two companies.” Olympus NDT manufactures instruments that are used in industrial and research applications ranging from aerospace, power generation, petrochemical, civil infrastructure and automotive to consumer products.
Applus RTD Announces North American Acquisition
BAKERSFIELD, CA—The Applus RTD Group, a provider of asset integrity services, has acquired Valley Industrial X-Ray and Inspection Services Inc. This operation, together with the acquisition of JanX (United States) in 2008, Technico (Canada) in 2009, and QIS (United States) and Staveley (Canada) in 2010, reinforces the company’s commitment to the North American market.
The head office for Applus RTD U.S. is in Houston, and in Edmonton for Applus RTD Canada. The acquisitions strengthen the position of Applus RTD in the North American market, where it has been present for two decades with a large workforce.
Bruker to Acquire Certain Varian Product Lines
BILLERICA, MA and SANTA CLARA, CA—Bruker Corp. and Agilent Technologies Inc. announced that Bruker and Agilent have entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement. Pursuant to this agreement, Bruker will acquire certain product lines of Varian Inc., which Agilent has committed to divest in connection with obtaining regulatory approval for Agilent’s previously announced acquisition of Varian.
The acquired product lines are expected to benefit from integration with Bruker’s existing country sales offices, applications laboratories and service centers worldwide. The Modal Shop Hires Director of Asia Pacific Sales CINCINNATI—The Modal Shop Inc., a PCB Group company, announces the hiring of Art Rich as the director of Asia Pacific Sales.
The Modal Shop provides dynamic measurement solutions for manufacturers and industrial customers worldwide.
Growth Prompts Relocation for Ashtead Technology
HOUSTON—Instrumentation specialist Ashtead Technology announces the opening of their corporate headquarters in Houston, following considerable business expansion in recent years. The new site doubles the size of the company’s previous base, allowing the entire corporate operation to be undertaken in Houston, with additional room to house the new central sales, marketing and support functions.
The new state-of-the-art headquarters, located in the Westchase area of the city, is large enough to accommodate further predicted growth in the coming years. Expressing his excitement about the relocation, Andy Holroyd, president of North American operations for Ashtead Technology, says, “The market for rental instrumentation is increasing as customers recognize the need to retain access to the latest technology without the capital cost of ownership and we are investing in the resources necessary to meet this growing need.” Ashtead currently has 13 satellite offices across the United States and Canada, including three new locations that opened in 2009 in Edmonton, Chicago and Indiana.